A new fund worth £500k is being launched by Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC) to help support rural businesses and communities.
The Malvern Hills Rural Fund is being made available to support small businesses and social enterprises in rural areas, including helping farmers to diversify into other sectors, and growing tourism.
The money can only be used to fund physical projects such as new buildings or renovations but not for staff or day-to-day running costs.
It will be released in stages over the next two years, with the first round of funding available to bid for now.
Individual grants of between £2,500 and £25,000 are on offer, but businesses will be expected to match 50 per cent of the total cost of a project.
Expressions of interest must be submitted through the MHDC website using the online form by August, 14. Shortlisted bids will then be invited to submit a full application.
The funding comes from the Government’s Rural England Propserity Fund and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Councillor Beverley Nielsen, portfolio holder for tourism and economic development at MHDC, said: “If you’re starting a new business or growing your existing one and have ideas for growth then here’s the chance to bid for funding offering a real opportunity to support capital projects across our rural economy.
“It’s part of our commitment to support growth in all parts of our local economy, outside of our towns, helping our rural communities branch out and diversify so they can grow and thrive.”
Visit: www.malvernhills.gov.uk/rural-fund for more information.
